NRTA WAVE Now Offers Year-Round Rides

Nantucket has a rich transportation history. Whaling ships, steam powered ferries and the Nantucket Railroad in the 1800’s, and the first airplanes began landing just south of Commercial Wharf during the First World War. Fast forward to 1995 and the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) began providing the island’s first public bus service and continues to provide reliable transportation for island residents, visitors and workers.

Rebranded in 2010 as The WAVE, the bus service has undergone a number of changes and improvements throughout its 22 years of operation. However, perhaps the most significant change is planned for 2018. Historically The WAVE has been a seasonal service, operating from May to mid-October but a study completed in 2016 by the AECOM consulting group, looked at the feasibility of extending the bus service year-round. After much review and consideration, the NRTA Advisory Board and Board of Selectmen recently voted to approve transitioning the service from seasonal to year-round and plans are now underway to make that happen.

According to Transit Administrator Paula Leary, “We are very excited about moving into this new phase of service to the island.” She continued, “There is tremendous support throughout the community and we are currently well into planning routes and schedules that will continue year-round.”

WAVE ridership has increased 11% since the rebranding in 2010 and continues to provide a reliable and efficient service for Nantucket’s diverse population. NRTA Chair, Dawn Hill Holdgate is optimistic that expanding the availability of bus service will be a very positive benefit for the island. “2018 will be another historic year for transportation on Nantucket. We are looking forward to making sure that getting around the island will soon be much easier for year-round residents and workers.”

The WAVE will resume service and begin their year-round routes this Friday, April 27, with additional routes starting in May and in June. Passes are also on sale: Annual Passes start at $125 and are valid April 27-Dec. 31, 2018 and Summer Passes start at $120 and are valid May 14-Oct. 8, 2018. The NRTA also offers a 31-day pass for $75 that is available at the NRTA Office, 20R S. Water Street. All passes provide unlimited ride on all bus routes.